The NFL season is a time of excitement for fans across the country. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching your favorite teams battle it out on the gridiron. But with so many ways to watch NFL games, it can be tough to know which option is right for you and how much it will impact your wallet. This comprehensive guide breaks down the NFL package cost for various viewing options, helping you make an informed decision and catch all the action without breaking the bank.
NFL Sunday Ticket: The Gold Standard for Out-of-Market Games
nfl package cost
For fans who want to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game, NFL Sunday Ticket has long been the go-to choice. Previously exclusive to DirecTV, NFL Sunday Ticket is now offered through YouTube TV, opening up new options and potentially lower costs for many viewers.
NFL Sunday Ticket with YouTube TV
- NFL package cost: Starts at $379 for the season.
- Requirements: You must be a YouTube TV subscriber (base plan starts at $72.99/month).
- Benefits: Access to every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game, plus the option to add NFL RedZone for an additional fee.
NFL Sunday Ticket without YouTube TV
- NFL package cost: Starts at $479 for the season.
- Benefits: Ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a full YouTube TV subscription but still want access to all the out-of-market games.
NFL Sunday Ticket Student Discount
- NFL package cost: Starts at $199 for the season.
- Requirements: Must be a currently enrolled college student.
- Benefits: A significant discount on the regular NFL package cost, making it a great option for students on a budget.
Key Considerations for NFL Sunday Ticket:
- Value: NFL Sunday Ticket offers the most comprehensive out-of-market game coverage, but it comes at a premium price. Consider how many games you realistically want to watch before committing.
- YouTube TV Integration: Bundling NFL Sunday Ticket with YouTube TV can be a convenient option, but it also increases the overall NFL package cost. Evaluate if the additional channels and features offered by YouTube TV are worth the extra expense.
- Alternatives: If you’re only interested in a few specific out-of-market games, exploring alternative options like NFL+ Premium might be a more cost-effective solution.
NFL+: A Flexible and Affordable Option
NFL+ is a streaming service offered directly by the NFL, providing a range of options for fans with varying needs and budgets.
NFL+ Premium
- NFL package cost: $14.99/month or $99.99/year.
- Benefits:
- Live out-of-market preseason games on all devices.
- Live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices.
- Live game audio for every game.
- NFL Network shows on-demand.
- NFL RedZone live stream.
- Condensed game replays.
NFL+
- NFL package cost: $6.99/month or $49.99/year.
- Benefits:
- Live out-of-market preseason games on all devices.
- Live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices.
- Live game audio for every game.
- NFL Network shows on-demand.
- NFL library programming on-demand.
Key Considerations for NFL+:
- Mobile Streaming: While NFL+ offers live local and primetime games, these are restricted to mobile devices only. Consider if this limitation aligns with your viewing habits.
- NFL RedZone: If NFL RedZone is a priority, NFL+ Premium offers it at a competitive price compared to other providers.
- Preseason Access: NFL+ provides access to all out-of-market preseason games, which can be a valuable feature for fans who want to scout their team’s upcoming talent.
Other Ways to Watch NFL Games
Beyond NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL+, there are several other avenues for catching NFL action, each with its own NFL package cost considerations:
- Cable and Satellite TV: Traditional cable and satellite providers often include local channels that broadcast NFL games in your area. However, these packages can be expensive and may not offer comprehensive coverage.
- Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer packages that include channels broadcasting NFL games. These can be a good option for cord-cutters but require careful comparison of channel lineups and NFL package cost.
- Antenna: For those in areas with good reception, an over-the-air antenna can provide access to local channels broadcasting NFL games for free. However, this option is limited to in-market games only.
Factors Affecting NFL Package Cost
Several factors can influence the overall NFL package cost you end up paying:
- Your Location: Where you live can affect which channels are available and the pricing of various packages.
- Channel Lineup: The specific channels included in a package will impact the cost. More comprehensive packages with sports-focused channels will generally be more expensive.
- Bundling: Bundling your NFL package with other services like internet or phone can sometimes lead to discounts.
- Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts, especially during the start of the NFL season.
Tips for Minimizing NFL Package Cost
- Compare Prices: Don’t settle for the first NFL package you come across. Compare prices and channel lineups from various providers to find the best value.
- Consider Your Needs: Think about how many games you want to watch and which specific teams or channels are important to you. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid paying for features you don’t need.
- Explore Free Trials: Many streaming services offer free trials, allowing you to test out their offerings before committing to a subscription.
- Share with Friends or Family: Consider splitting the NFL package cost with friends or family members who also want to watch the games.
Conclusion
Watching NFL games doesn’t have to break the bank. By carefully considering your viewing needs and exploring the various options available, you can find an NFL package that fits your budget and allows you to enjoy all the excitement of the football season. Remember to compare prices, look for deals, and consider alternatives to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
